Hundreds of former operatives from Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency have expressed their dissatisfaction with the country’s recent decision to resume large-scale airstrikes on Gaza. This dissatisfaction stems from the failure to effectively secure the release of the remaining hostages held captive by Hamas. A group of over 250 former Mossad figures, including three ex-chiefs, have backed a letter initially signed by air force veterans and reservists. The letter urges the Israeli government to prioritize the return of hostages above engaging in conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The Israeli government estimates that approximately 24 out of the 58 hostages who were taken during Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, are still alive. The letter criticizes the intensified Israeli strikes and ground operations in Gaza since the collapse of the ceasefire in March, alleging that these actions are primarily driven by the personal interests of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The letter blames his government for putting military personnel and hostages at risk for political gain and for potentially caving to demands from far-right parties within his coalition.
According to the signatories of the letter, the ongoing conflict serves more political and personal interests than security concerns. The letter, initially published and publicly supported by almost 1,000 reservists and retired officers from Israel’s air force, spurred a fierce response from Netanyahu who dismissed the signatories as an “extreme fringe group.”
Further support for ending the conflict has been voiced by reservists from Israel’s elite Unit 8200 and hundreds of reservist doctors. Additionally, another letter co-signed by over 1,500 former and current armored corps soldiers and paratroopers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), including two former IDF chiefs of staff, calls for an immediate halt to the war, emphasizing the human cost and questioning the attainability of military objectives.
Negotiations for a ceasefire have been ongoing in Cairo, involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Israel has reportedly proposed a deal to Hamas, suggesting the release of 10 hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire and concessions from Israel. Hamas officials have expressed a willingness to exchange captives but have stated that the disarmament of Hamas is not under consideration.
Hostage families have been protesting outside the home of Ron Dermer, the minister in charge of negotiations, alleging delays and obstruction from the government. The Netanyahu government has insisted that it is doing everything possible to free the hostages.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/14/israel-government-gaza-hostages-mossad-criticism
